Celebrating Filipino Cuisine in Canada

Since arriving in Canada, I've been on a quest to connect with the unique aspects of Filipino culture. The Philippines' music, handicrafts, and food, each with their distinct charm, bring back memories of the melody, touch, and taste several thousand miles from home.

To celebrate our shared Filipino culture and cuisine, we're fortunate to be part of Canada's first-ever Filipino Restaurant Month. This initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, and the Philippine Consulates in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, uniting us all in this cultural celebration. 

It's a celebration of Filipino touch, taste, and sound in a month-long food festival style participated by 40 Filipino restaurants across Canada.

After our afternoon walk in the park, we visited a Filipino restaurant in Surrey, British Columbia. We had a sumptuous dinner in Grandt Kitchen, where they served a platter of various Filipino dishes. 

What made it festive was when the restaurant was full of Filipino diners and the presence of a live band playing a selection of romantic OPM songs that gave a nostalgic feel. 

Celebrating Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada is a great way to level up our cuisine and put it in the mainstream where other competing Asian cuisine seems to dominate.

It's our duty to support our food and take pride in being Filipino. By doing so, we contribute to the elevation of our Filipino cuisine to the global stage, a responsibility we should all be proud to uphold. 

The inaugural Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the Filipino community. With such strong support, we can look forward to even larger and more widespread celebrations in the future. 

We have to offer the best of our Filipino cuisine to the world. We must showcase our culture, live on with our traditions, and pass them from generation to generation. Our Filipino spirit will always be alive wherever we are in the world.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2022: A Journey to Paradise

The earth is healing. That's the message of hope and love this Holy Week. As we witness the signs of nature's rejuvenation, we are reminded of the healing power of God's love. While the pandemic may not have ended, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not living in fear and prolonging the agony. This is a time for spiritual healing and renewal.

We desire to travel this Lenten season. This way, we get a new perspective on life. We cross borders and travel across the sea—a hundred miles of the journey, with immeasurable faith in Thee. 

We journey to a paradise to see and feel God's heavenly creation, this time in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. With its natural beauty and rich history, Victoria is a perfect backdrop for our spiritual journey. It's a charming city rich in history—a story from the First Nations passed down from generation to generation.

A walk around downtown Victoria envelops me in a sense of tranquility, reminiscent of a distant past where laidback living thrives even in the present. I feel the calmness, serenity, and relaxed vibe I'm eager to experience. It's a place to explore, find meaning, and start a new beginning.

The message of God is evident; beyond suffering is a promised land where we live a heavenly experience. We walk with unwavering faith and allow suffering as we carry the cross toward our destination and salvation. We do not fear, but we trust God's will. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Taking a Leap from Hope to Faith

Despite our fears and doubts, the transformative power of belief can change our lives. When we transition from mere thoughts to complete surrender, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. 

Our hopes are idle wishes and potential pathways to achieving our heart's desires. When we believe in the power of our higher hopes, we pave the way for tremendous success and fulfillment.

When we hope for something, we say, "It can happen." However, we're dealing with the possibility of keeping our fingers crossed. It may or may not happen. When we don't get our hopes, we slow down and may easily give up. 

Transitioning from hope to faith is more than just a change in mindset. It's a shift from uncertainty to unwavering belief. When we have faith, we remove the doubts that hinder us from achieving our goals. With confidence, even the most daunting tasks become possible. This is the power of faith-it can work miracles in our lives, making the seemingly impossible possible.

When things go wrong, or we're behind in the race of life, we may pause for a moment, get energized, and take a giant leap from hope to faith. Then, the universe conspires to make things happen. It shifts our mindset from probability to greater possibility, and our dreams and desires take a quantum leap of faith to eternity. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

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👉 Quantum Leap of Faith in the Summit

The Cherry Blossoms at David Lam Park

Spring has sprung. At this time of year, we experience a renewed season filled with joy as we see flowers blossoming.

Springtime reminds me of rebirth and reinvigoration. We become alive as days become more temperate and people enjoy the outdoors. 

This beautiful season is only complete with witnessing the cherry blossoms festival in Vancouver. And so we visit the charming district of Yaletown to celebrate the "Big Picnic" event. It's the best time to see the flowers in full bloom, a sight that never fails to inspire awe, and when many people gather as friends under the cherry trees. There are no strangers, but just friends and lovers.

The Big Picnic and the Cherry Blossoms Festival aim to bring people from Metro Vancouver together for fun and excitement. There will be programs, art exhibits, and workshops for everyone to participate in, learn from, and enjoy.

This year's event may have been more significant as people move freely without restrictions. The mask mandate is no longer mandatory; people see each other's faces. But beyond looks are beautiful smiles, laughter, and joy that brighten the day and lift the mood. 

David Lam Park is a magical experience when people enjoy the hundreds of Akebono cherry trees donated by the 25th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Dr. David Lam, named in his honor.

Physical fitness activities like yoga are available. They're a great way of becoming one with nature while relaxing the body and clearing the mind. There are also winning haiku and haiku installations that connect poems to cherry trees.  

It's good to see families and children enjoy various programs and activities. It's also good to see more people outdoors and appreciate the wonderful nature in the city's heart.

As the clock springs forward, we show the world how we're progressing despite the situation, making joyful cherry blossom experiences and incredible memories. The Big Picnic is a unique event that brings people from different places in British Columbia to see the magical cherry blossoms and to experience "why there are no strangers under the cherry tree." We're all united; we believe we can be. The joy of the event is palpable, and we can't wait to share it with you.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay